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REEF
SITES
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Molasses
Reef
- one of the world's most popular
reefs. Molasses reef consists of several different types of
reef structure, and is spread out over 14-17 acres. The population
of reef creatures is always changing, and includes frequent visits
by many different pelagic species. Molasses has more than 25 Buoys
(each one marking a different site), and is known for sites such
as Fire Coral Cave, the Spanish Anchor, and the Winch Hole.
Depth range 20-50
ft.
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French
Reef
- popular for it's coral caves and
"swim-throughs", French Reef offers the chance to
observe many species of fish and other reef creatures. Some never
leave the shelter of the coral caves, and tunnels. Well known
sites on the reef include: Hourglass Cave, Christmas Tree Cave,
and Sand Bottom Cave. French Reef has large formations of
elk horn and stag horn corals.
Depth range 25-45
ft.
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Key
Largo Dry Rocks (Christ Statue)
- site of the famous "Christ of the
Deep" Statue, this is one of the Keys' most popular diving
and snorkeling locations. Key Largo Dry Rocks, is a fairly shallow
site, and offers close viewing of many types of fish.
Depth range 20-30
ft.
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North
Dry Rocks
- in relation to Key Largo Dry Rocks,
this is "the next reef to the north." A relatively
shallow location, this reef contains the popular "Minnow
Cave" - known for it's large seasonal population of glass
minnows.
Depth range 25-35
ft.
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Grecian
Rocks
- the next reef south from Key Largo
Dry Rocks, this reef offers frequent sightings of some larger reef
inhabitants, such as the southern stingray and, spotted eagle
rays. The word "rocks" in the names of many sites is due
to their being so close to, or even breaking through, the surface
of the water. At low tide, the top of this reef rises out of the
water and offers a rather unique view. - the next reef south from
Key Largo Dry Rocks, this reef offers frequent sightings of some
larger reef inhabitants, such as the southern stingray and,
spotted eagle rays. The word "rocks" in the names of
many sites is due to their being so close to, or even breaking
through, the surface of the water. At low tide, the top of this
reef rises out of the water and offers a rather unique view.
Depth range
0-35 ft.
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Pickles
Reef
- home of such sites as The Pillar Coral
Patch, and The Barrel Wreck, this low-profile reef offers a unique
view of soft corals, sponges, and a number of crustaceans. Several
species of lobsters and crabs may be openly observed here, often
unconcerned about the activities of divers and snorkelers. As a
rule, if you don't present a threat (by getting "too
close") you will be able to observe these creatures as they
go about their normal activities.
Depth range 5-35
ft.
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SHALLOW
WRECKS
(max depth
under 50 ft)
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- a Norwegian freighter that
was grounded
after colliding with another ship during
World War II. At the time, allied vessels often
ran "lights out" at night, to avoid detection
by German U-boats. This collision was the
result of that practice, and the
Benwood
now provides shelter and a home for a
number of reef fish, and other creatures.
Depth range 20-45
ft.
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DEEP
WRECKS
(max
depth over 120 ft)
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USS
Spiegel Grove
*
Key
Largo's newest underwater attraction:
the USS
Spiegel Grove. It's
one of
the largest ships
ever to be intentionally sunk as an artificial
reef. The vessel is 510 feet long, 84 feet wide,
and
sits upright (as of July 2005).
Depth range
50-130 ft.
More
on the Spiegel Grove
at http://spiegelgrove.com
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USCGC Duane
*
This "Secretary Class" Coast Guard
Cutter was sunk as an artificial reef in
November 1987. It has since become a home to a wide variety of pelagic and reef fish,
and host to numerous types of coral formations.
Depth range 50-125 ft.
More
about the Duane
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*
Upper
Keys Artificial Reef Medallion required
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The
above sites are within the
Florida Keys National Marine
Sanctuary.
The
collection of artifacts such as shells,
and coral,
and the "harassment" of reef
creatures are prohibited.
These
activities are NOT condoned
by Ocean Divers.
We
believe in the goals of the Sanctuary Program,
and assist its officers in any way we can.
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